A former charity building in Stroud could be bought and turned into temporary accommodation for the homeless if plans are approved tomorrow.

The ex-Salvation Army building, close to Stroud town centre, could be bought with taxpayers’ money in a bid to end an “unsustainable” reliance on costly Travelodge hotels.

The budget for temporary accommodation is set at £50,000, but a council report in December said the pot was overspent by £172,000 – the equivalent of a 240 per cent increase.

Residents are put into emergency accommodation when deemed homeless in what is meant to be a temporary move.

Stroud district councillors are being asked to back the plans this Thursday so it can launch a business case, convert the building and figure out the management.

A council report to be presented to the full council on Thursday said the average cost for a single or double is £190 per week, and £415 per week for families.

It added that the budget for bed and breakfasts costs have increased significantly this year.

The district council’s budget will increase to £71,000 next year, the document said.

It said: “At present, households are accommodated in a mixture of accommodation provided by private sector landlords and ranging from use of Travelodge hotels to private ‘bed and breakfast’ style facilities.

“The majority of this accommodation is located outside the Stroud district and, at times of high pressure, can be as far away as Bristol or Worcester.”

All councillors will have the chance to vote on the proposals at a full council meeting on April 25, from 7pm.